Looking for the best embroidery machine for clothes but feel lost and have no idea where to start? You’ve come to the right place!
Embroidery machines are a great way to personalize your clothing and other items with beautiful designs and patterns. Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly machine or something more advanced, there is an embroidery machine out there that’s perfect for you.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best embroidery machines for clothes on the market, as well as what to look for when shopping for one.
What to Consider before Buying a new Embroidery Machine for Clothing?
There are a few key things to consider when shopping for an embroidery machine for clothes. First, you’ll want to decide what type of fabrics you’ll be working with most often. If you plan on mostly embroidering light-weight fabrics like cotton, then you’ll need a machine that has a lighter stitch. Honestly, any domestic embroidery machine will serve you. Conversely, if you’re looking to do a lot of work on heavier fabrics like thick denim or leather, then you’ll need a more professional embroidery machine that can handle a heavier stitch as well as a stronger embroidery needle. I would suggest a multi needle embroidery machine as they come with stronger engines.
Another critical consideration is the size of the hoops that come with the embroidery machine. The hoop size will determine how large or small of an area you can embroider at one time. If you’re looking to do mainly smaller projects, then a machine with smaller hoops will suffice. However, if you’re hoping to do larger projects like coats or blankets, then an embroidery machine that comes with larger hoops will make the task much easier.
Finally, you’ll want to think about the price of the embroidery machine. Embroidery machines can range in price from a several hundred dollars to several thousand. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t end up spending more than you can afford.
You should always try to buy the highest quality embroidery machine you possibly can within your budget.
Where to Buy an Embroidery Machine for Clothes?
If you’re looking to buy an embroidery machine for your clothes, there are several options available. Here are some of the most popular places to buy one:
1. Online retailers
There are many online retailers that sell the best embroidery machines, including sites like Amazon or SewingMachinesPlus, for the best embroidery sewing machine for clothes. There’s also eBay, where you can sometimes find second hand embroidery machine for clothes. These sites typically have a wide selection of machines to choose from, and you can often find good deals on them.
2. Local sewing machine stores
Many local sewing machine stores also sell embroidery machines. This can be a convenient option if you live near one of these stores.
3. Craft stores
Some craft stores, such as Michaels, sell embroidery machines as well. You may be able to find good deals on these embroidery machines there, and they often have a wide selection of different models.
You should also know that there are many different models and brands out there, so it can be helpful to read reviews from other users to help you choose the right one for your needs. Additionally, keep in mind that many stores, such as online retailers and craft stores, often offer discounts or sales on specific models from time to time.
You might also want to consider purchasing an embroidery machine that comes with a bundle package. These packages often include supplies like threads and bobbins, which can be very helpful for beginners who don’t have these items yet. Nevertheless, understand that bundles usually include low quality accessories, so it might be a better investment buying it separately.
Whether you prefer shopping online or in-store, you’ll find below some models every buyer consider.
Best Embroidery Machines for Clothes
6. Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Included Feet: Embroidery.
EMBROIDERY
- Built-in Designs: 80
- Speed per minute: 400
- On-Screen Editing: Yes
- Maximum Embroidery Area: 4″ x 4″
NO SEWING
- Automatic Needle Threader:
- Automatic Thread Cutter:
- Sewing Capabilities: No
This model is ideal for you if you just want to do small embroidery and no sewing since it’s an embroidery machine without the sewing features and it’s the improved version of the Brother PE525 adding to the later design a larger LCD screen and 10 more built-in embroidery designs.
In general, Brother PE535 is overall a very good entry-level machine and is easy to set up and easy to use. I would personally recommend it to people who want to embroider monograms, labels, or small designs.
Comparing Brother PE535 to Brother SE600, there is no mechanical advantage so the only reason to skip on the sewing features of the SE600 is that you already own a good sewing machine and you know you won’t use your new embroidery machine for sewing purposes.
What you’ll like:
- Low noise levels
- Great machine for small jobs
Something to Consider:
- Embroidery Only – go with the SE600 for added sewing capabilities -.
- Small embroidery area
5. Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine
- Budget: $
- Our rating:
- Included Feet: Embroidery.
EMBROIDERY
- Built-in Designs: 80 + 45 Disney
- Speed per minute: 400
- On-Screen Editing: Yes
- Area: 4″ x 4″
NO SEWING
- Free Arm: No
This machine is quite similar, both mechanically and in price, to Brother PE535, so we recommend that you take a good look at the comparison chart provided at the end of this article.
A big difference between this one and the other model is the built-in Disney designs. Brother PE550D is the perfect gift for little beginners who want to let their imagination run wild.
Also, compared to the SE600, some of the advantages of the PE550D are the higher speed of stitches (400 vs. 650 speed per minute) and the built-in Disney design collection.
However, if you don’t own a sewing machine, one downside to this model is that for almost the same price you can currently get the Brother SE600, which is mechanically very similar but offers both sewing and embroidering capabilities.
What you’ll like:
- Low noise levels
- Great machine for small jobs
- Disney designs included
Something to Consider:
- Embroidery Only
- Small embroidery area
4. Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Ideal for: Beginners to Intermediate users. First-time users who want to start embroidering while having sewing capabilities. #1 for beginners of all ages. Best Embroidery Machine for the Money.
- Budget: $$
- Our rating:
- Included Feet: Buttonhole, Zipper, Overcasting, Blindstich, Monogramming, Zigzag, Embroidery, Button Sewing.
EMBROIDERY
- Built-in Designs: 80
- Speed per minute: 400
- On-Screen Editing: Yes
- Area: 4″ x 4″
SEWING
- Free Arm: Yes
- Speed per minute: 710
- Decorative Stitches: 103
The Brother SE600 sewing and embroidery machine comes with a 4″ x 4″ embroidery area and with the possibility of re-hooping in case you want to embroider a larger design. It also includes 80 Embroidery Designs, 103 Built-In Sewing Stitches and, a large Color Touch LCD screen, where you can easily change specific embroidery thread colors and then preview before stitching.
Also, an automatic needle threader that is super useful when embroidering with a wide range of colors and for your tired eyes; 6 embroidery lettering fonts that allow you to customize your designs with different sizes and; a free arm for cuffs and sleeves which is considered a must.
In addition, this Brother model features auto-size buttonholes and comes with a USB so that you can import your designs.
The Brother SE600 is excellent for first-time users to sew and embroider since it’s super easy to learn how to use its features. I can’t think of a better machine for a beginner and a cheaper price for the value of the product.
What you’ll like:
- Create your own decorative stitches
- Low budget price
- Low learning curve
- Free Arm
Something to Consider:
- Small embroidery hoop
Read a Brother SE600 full review of the embroidery machine including how it compares to its line-up (SE300, SE625, etc.).
3. Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
- Budget: $$
- Our rating:
- Included Feet: Embroidery.
EMBROIDERY
- Built-in Designs: 138
- Speed per minute: 850
- On-Screen Editing: Yes
- Area: 5″ x 7″
NO SEWING
- Free Arm: No
The Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine is the latest embroidery only Brother model. After the success of discontinued PE770, the manufacturers decided to create an improved model that could meet the criteria of most demanding users. It has an optimal learning curve that is ideal for inexperienced users who want to start embroidering different clothes.
The Touch LCD Screen has been nicely upgraded from a grey-scale to Color, and it now gives you the freedom to edit your designs on-screen. You will be able to rotate, increase and decrease the size, and mirror-image your design, so that even if you decide at the last minute that it will look better somehow else, you won’t waste time going back to edit it from your computer.
Like some other machines, it includes an automatic needle threader that will become the best friend of those with tired eyes when embroidering a multi-colored design on garments like hoodies and t-shirts.
Brother PE800 is great no matter the design size you want to embroider because it works with small – 1 “x 2,5” -, medium – 4 “x 4” – and large hoops – 5 “x 7” and 5 “x 12” -. Besides, if you own Brother PE770 you can always repurpose your hoops for this new model as they both use the same type.
What you’ll like:
- Good quality-price ratio.
- Low learning curve.
Something to Consider:
- Embroidery only.
Read the Brother PE800 review.
2. Janome MB-4S Multi Needle Embroidery Machine
Ideal for: Home Business Users who want a 4-needle machine to save time.
- Budget: $$$$$$$
- Our rating:
- Included Feet: Embroidery.
EMBROIDERY
- Built-in Designs: 50
- Speed per minute: 10
- On-Screen Editing: Yes
- Area: 9.46″ x 7.9″
NO SEWING
- Free Arm: Yes
If you own a home business and have a large budget, this may be the best option for you as it comes with some advanced features that you can normally only find in industrial embroidery machines. This multi needle machine, however, is a bit costly for beginners.
The Janome MB-4S is a four-needle embroidery machine that is ideal for embroidering shirts, hoodies, or and hats. It even comes with a single head accessory for working on caps and a variety of t-shirt hoops to choose from. This unit is suitable for sewers who require a special machine for this task.
As some other multi needle machines, this one also includes advanced on-screen editing functions to make last-minute changes easier, a stitch counter so the machine knows when it’s time to cut the thread, embroidery area tracing, an extra-large bobbin to avoid changing it every minute, adjustable hoop positioning for a better-looking design, and other features such as sensors on the upper thread (it stops when running out of thread) and the presser foot or a stitch-out time indicator.
This unit allows you to use four sizes of Janome hoops and at least six industry-standard Tajima hoops to increase your embroidery options and embroider any design you choose. Of course, you’ll have to purchase each of these options separately.
If you own a home based embroidery business and need to upgrade, this is most likely the machine you should get next before turning fully professional and outsourcing your production. A large investment that will swiftly pay for itself before providing you with significant rewards.
What you’ll like:
- Incudes a single head specifically made for hats
- Programmable jump thread trimming feature to save time and for higher quality results
- Additional Winding Bobbin Motor to wind new bobbin while embroidering a designs
- Auto return post-thread break for a smoother experience
Something to Consider:
- It has a bit of a learning curve but then it’s a joy to use
1. Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- Budget: $$$
- Our rating:
- Included Feet: Buttonhole, Overcasting, Monogramming, Zipper, Zigzag, Stitch Guide, Adjustable Zipper/Piping, Non-Stick, Open Toe, Embroidery, Blindstich.
EMBROIDERY
- Built-in Designs: 138
- Speed per minute: 650
- On-Screen Editing: No
- Area: 5″ x 7″
SEWING
- Free Arm: Yes
- Speed per minute: 800
- Decorative Stitches: 240
The Brother SE1900 is a multipurpose sewing and embroidery machine that is an excellent value for the money.
The package only includes a 5″ x 7″ hoop but if you’re thinking of embroidering larger or endless designs, you can always buy an extra 12″ x 5″ multi-positional hoop and re-hoop it as many times as you need. Just be careful with the alignment when you do that.
For a model designed for home use, the quality of both sewing and embroidery is quite impressive. In fact, even if it’s lacking a free arm, over 90 percent of users gave this machine the maximum rate possible.
Of course, if you already own a sewing machine, you should definitely check the above-reviewed machine, the new embroidery only Brother PE800, and save some money.
What you’ll like:
- Free motion quilting
- Good quality-price ratio
Something to Consider:
- The maximum embroidery area is 5″ x 7″
- No free arm
You may want to read a full review of Brother SE1900 sewing and embroidery machine.
Embroidery Machine for Clothes Comparison Chart
| Machines | Embroidery Features | Sewing Features | Other | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brother PE535 Read Review | 400 spm* 80 Designs 9 Fonts 4″ x 4″ Area** | – | – Carrying Handle – Speed Control | – 10.82 lbs – 16.5″ x 7.8″ x 12″ – 125mm/ 5″ Arm Length | Check Price |
Brother PE550D Read Review | 400 spm* 80 + 45 Disney Designs 6 Fonts 4″ x 4″ Area** | – | – Carrying Handle – Speed Control | – 10.82 lbs – 16.5″ x 7.8″ x 12″ – 125mm/ 5″ Arm Length | Check Price |
Brother SE600 Read Review | 400 spm* 80 Designs 11 Fonts 4″ x 4″ Area** | 710 spm* 103 Stitches 7mm Width 10 Buttonholes | – Free Arm – On-Screen Editing – Speed Control | – 11.82 lbs – 21.2″ x15.5″ x16.5″ – 163mm/ 6.4″ Arm Length | Check Price |
Brother PE800 Read Review | 850 spm* 138 Designs 11 Fonts 5″ x 7″ Area** | – | – On-Screen Editing – Speed Control | – 13.74 lbs – 21.8″ x19″ x19.1″ – 210mm/ 8.3″ Arm Length | Check Price |
Janome MB-4S Read Review | 800 spm* 50 Designs 10 Fonts 9.46″ x 7.9″ Area** | – | – Color Remote Screen – On-Screen Editing – Bobbin Winding Motor – Jump Thread Trimming – Automatic Thread Cutter | – 45.2 lbs – 17.7″ x 25.6″ x 26.8″ | Check Price |
Brother SE1900 Read Review | 650 spm* 138 Designs 11 Fonts 5″ x 7″ Area** | 850 spm* 240 Stitches 7mm Width 10 Buttonholes | – Free Arm – Speed Control | – 22.05 lbs – 17.6″ x9.5″ x11.8″ – 163mm/ 6.4″ Arm Length | Check Price |
*Speed Per Minute: referring to the number of stitches a machine can perform in a minute.
**Area: referring to the maximum embroidery area that an embroidery machine can reach.
What kind of embroidery thread should you buy?
Whether you are new to embroidery or have been doing it for years, choosing the right kind of embroidery thread can be a bit confusing. There are many different colors, thicknesses, and brands of thread available, making the process of shopping for embroidery thread feel overwhelming at times. However, by keeping a few key factors in mind, you can easily find the right kind of embroidery thread to suit your needs and create beautiful designs.
One important factor to consider when shopping for embroidery thread is the thickness of the thread. Thicker threads tend to create a bolder and more textured look, while thinner threads result in a more delicate and refined appearance. As such, it is important to consider your project when choosing an appropriate thickness of thread.
Another key factor to consider when buying embroidery thread is the color of the thread. There are many different colors of embroidery thread available, so it is important to choose a color that will complement the fabric you are working with. If you are unsure of what color to choose, it is often helpful to consult with an experienced embroiderer or a fabric store employee for guidance.
The next factor to consider is thread prices can vary widely from one online store to the next, so I would suggest comparing prices from different retailers before making a purchase. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the perfect embroidery thread to create beautiful and professional-looking designs.
However, the most important factor is thread quality.
And there are a few reasons why it’s important to use high quality thread for machine embroidery. First, high quality thread is less likely to break during the embroidery process. This means that you’ll be less likely to have to stop in the middle of a project to fix a broken thread. Second, high quality thread produces a more consistent stitch quality. This ensures that your embroidery designs will look professional and polished, even after multiple washes. Finally, high quality thread is more colorfast than lower quality threads, which means that your machine embroidery designs will retain their vibrant colors for longer. So if you want to create beautiful, long-lasting machine embroidered designs, it’s critical to invest in high quality thread.
Is rayon thread a good choice for machine embroidery?
There is no doubt that rayon thread is a great choice for machine embroidery. It’s soft, flexible, and helps create smooth, even stitches on your embroidered designs.
Some people might hesitate to use rayon thread though because it can fray or break easily if it isn’t used correctly. But with some simple tips , you can avoid these problems and enjoy the beautiful results that rayon thread can provide.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when using rayon thread for machine embroidery:
- Use the correct needle size. Rayon thread is thinner than most other types of thread, so it is important to use a needle that is small enough to accommodate it. A size 65/9 or 70/10 needle is a good choice for most rayon threads.
- Be careful not to overload your machine. When embroidering with rayon thread, it is essential to avoid putting too much strain on your machine. This can cause the thread to break or snarl, which will ruin your designs and waste time and materials. To prevent this from happening, be sure to use an appropriate stitch length (usually around 2.5 to 3) and only run your machine at medium speed while embroidering with rayon thread.
- Use water soluble stabilizer or other stabilizers as needed. Rayon thread can fray or break easily, so it is important to use stabilizers in your designs whenever necessary. If you are embroidering on a fabric that frays easily, such as linen or silk, be sure to add a water soluble stabilizer to ensure that your design looks its best.
Overall, rayon thread is a great choice for machine embroidery and with a bit of care, you can avoid any problems that may occur. With its beautiful sheen and smooth stitches, rayon thread can help you create stunning embroidered designs that will last for years to come.
Other articles you may want to read:
Shirt Embroidery Machines
Brother Embroidery Machines
Home Embroidery Business
FAQs
Can you sew clothes with an embroidery machine?
I’m afraid not, an embroidery only machine can’t really sew.
Nevertheless, there are many models that can both embroider and sew. These are called sewing and embroidery machines or combo machines and, as their name indicates, can easily convert from one function into the other by changing the settings of the machine. If you’re in the market for an embroidery machine for clothes, it might interest the article we’ve created for such purpose.
How do you machine embroider clothes?
The first step in learning how to machine embroider clothes is choosing the right type of fabric. Some fabrics, like cotton, are easier to embroider than others, like silk. Once you’ve selected the fabric you want to use, it’s time to pick your thread. There are many types and colors of thread available, so take some time to experiment until you find the perfect combination for your project. Then, it’s time to set up your machine. Most machines come with an embroidery foot, which makes it easy to feed the fabric through the machine. You’ll also need to pick the right needle for your project. Embroidery needles are slightly different from regular sewing needles, so be sure to get the right type before you begin.
Which machine is best for sewing and embroidery?
If you’re looking for a machine that can do both sewing and embroidery, you’ll want to choose one that’s well-suited to both tasks. Nevertheless, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a machine for both sewing and embroidery, so we have created a specific article to explain it thoroughly, and you can find it here.
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